CITY OF OSHKOSH FIRE DEPARTMENT PRE-EMPLOYMENT
This page contains information on becoming a City of Oshkosh Firefighter/Paramedic and the process used to select firefighter/paramedic recruits. We hope this information will answer some of the questions you may have about the selection process.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This position is responsible for performing fire suppression operations, emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport, emergency medical first response, technical rescue, along with prevention and inspection activities. Work involves the training for and participating in varied fire fighting, emergency medical service and life rescuing duties for the protection of life and property.
Work activities involve fire suppression, rescue, basic and advanced emergency medical care, inspection activities, engine/quint/ambulance/rescue duties and hazardous materials response. Fire fighting and emergency medical response are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, and a major portion of time is spent on continued training in these skills. In addition to emergency response, work involves fire prevention inspection and public education, routine care and maintenance of equipment, vehicles and fire station building and grounds. Work is performed under explicit instructions and well-defined protocols and procedures; however, performance of the work requires initiative and a thorough understanding of fire fighting, emergency medical service, rescue techniques and fire prevention methods. Work is reviewed by superiors through observation and results obtained.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
We will be accepting requests for applications to establish a hire list through 4:30 pm June 8, 2009. Interested persons should call 236-5096 or write to Oshkosh Fire Department, 101 Court St. Oshkosh, WI 54901
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements at time of appointment to the fire department:
For a complete set of Rules Regulating Appointments in the Fire Department for the City of Oshkosh contact the personnel department at (920)236-5110.
- Over eighteen years of age
- Citizen of the United States
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Wisconsin Licensed EMT-P or meets HFS 112.04.
- Completes a satisfactory background investigation as required by 1977 WI Act 27
- Certifiable using WBVTAE standards
- Fire Fighter I
- Fire Fighter II
- Fire Apparatus Driver Operator (pumper)
- Eligible for a State of Wisconsin Drivers License
- Able to speak and write the English language understandably.
- Preference will be given to OSHA standard 1910.123 (NFPA 472) and WBVTAE standard for Fire Inspector I
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination process of the Oshkosh Fire Department has twelve phases.
- Filing of application with the Personnel Department
- Review of applications
- Department oral Interview
- Background investigation
- Physical Agility Test
- Final Interview
- Conditional Offer of Employment
- Physical Exam & Drug Test
- Psychological Exam, Personality Profiling and Intelligence Testing Interview
- Eligibility list established
- Recommendation for hiring to Police and Fire Commission
INFORMATION ON THE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
The department training division conducts the agility test. There are 7 evolutions in the physical agility test; all evolutions are scored on a pass/fail basis. The candidate will be allowed two chances to complete the evolutions successfully, except for the high-rise 1 and 2 portion of the agility. An evolution not completed or completed beyond the prescribed time will result in a failure and testing will be terminated at that evolution.
All protective clothing, safety equipment and other required equipment for testing will be supplied by the fire department. The following is a description of the test evolutions, the prescribed time limits and conditions of each evolution.
- HIGH-RISE CLIMB 1
Candidate must be able to climb to the eleventh floor of a high-rise building while wearing full protective clothing. This includes breathing apparatus, except face piece, and carrying a high-rise pack. The high-rise pack consists of 150' of 1 ¾" hose, 1 ½" to 1 ½" gated wye and nozzle. This evolution must be completed satisfactorily in 90 seconds or less.
- LADDER REMOVAL
Candidate will stand on the ground next to a wall-mounted ladder simulating the height of a engine. Candidate must be able to remove the ladder. Ladder shall be kept horizontal with the ground and neither end must touch the ground while moving the ladder. The candidate will place the ladder on the floor in a flat position. Then the ladder will be placed back on the wall mounts. This evolution must be achieved satisfactorily in 60 seconds or less.
- STRETCHER CARRY
Candidate must be able to carry a gurney stretcher, supporting a person weighing 180 lbs. The candidate will carry the head end up the stairway. Candidate will then support the foot end, while walking in a backward motion down the stairway. This evolution must be achieved satisfactorily in 60 seconds or less.
- LADDER RAISE
Candidate must be able to raise a 24' aluminum extension ladder using the hand over hand method, and place the ladder in the approximate climbing position. The ladder will then be lowered reversing the procedure. This evolution must be achieved satisfactorily in 60 seconds or less.
- EQUIPMENT HOIST
Candidate must be able to hoist the following equipment to the top of the department drill tower. The hand-over-hand method will be used from the top of the tower with a rope and hose roller.
Part 1 - two 50' sections of 2 ½" hose with nozzle
Part 2 - one 20 pound CO2 extinguisher
The hose evolution must be satisfactorily achieved in 15 seconds or less. The CO2 extinguisher evolution must be satisfactorily achieved in 25 seconds or less.
- HOSE PULL
Candidates must be able to pull a charged 2 ½" hose line, 100' in length with nozzle. Candidate will wear full protective clothing and breathing apparatus, except face piece. The hose will be in a straight lay away from a hydrant. Placing the nozzle on the candidate's shoulder, advance the line 50' past the hydrant connection. This evolution must be completed satisfactorily in 30 seconds or less.
- HIGH-RISE CLIMB 2
Candidate must be able to climb to the eleventh floor of a high-rise building while wearing full protective clothing. This includes breathing apparatus, except face piece, and carrying a 20-pound CO2 Extinguisher at arm length. Approximate weight of the extinguisher is 52 pounds. This evolution must be completed satisfactorily in 105 seconds or less.
WAGES AND BENEFITS
Firefighters in the ranks of firefighter through captain are represented by the International Association of Firefighters Local 316. Under the fair share agreement, union dues are deducted starting with the first month of employment.
Firefighter wages effective January 1, 2009 start at $1457.21 bi-weekly. For the first 3-1/2 years of employment, raises are given every six months until the full pay scale of firefighter is reached. The 2009 full pay schedule for firefighter is $2181.60 bi-weekly. Firefighter/Paramedics receive an additional 4% of base bay. Benefits include health insurance, pension, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and life insurance.
Once appointed to the fire department, you must complete a ten-week recruit training program, in addition to completing a one-year probationary period. A no use of tobacco agreement must also be signed by newly appointed firefighters
If you have any questions on pay and benefits you may contact the City of Oshkosh Personnel Department, telephone 920-236-5110.
We hope this information will help you in beginning your career as a firefighter with the Oshkosh Fire Department. If you want more information on the department, or the position of firefighter, we encourage you to visit one of our stations and talk with the personnel.
For questions regarding our next hiring process contact us at the following......
Mail:
Oshkosh Fire Department
101 Court Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: 920.236.5240
E-Mail: Carol Poklasny